Johor Bahru
With a fantastic brunch menu, this good-looking, elegant but minimalist restaurant is overseen by attentive staff serving a host of trendy lunchers,…
Must-see restaurants in Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei
Singapore
This intimate, linen-lined Italian is one of Singapore's unsung glories. In the kitchen is young Lombard chef Denis Lucchi, who turns exceptional…
Singapore
Iggy's refined, sleek design promises something special, and with a large picture window drawing your eye to the magic happening in the kitchen, you can…
Melaka City
The amiable chef at this upmarket Nonya eatery set in a handsome 19th-century house will come to your table and explain specialities such as chicken…
Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas
This hidden-away alley of hawker stalls is best visited for breakfast or lunch. Among its standout operators is one offering 10 types of yong tau fu …
Kota Kinabalu
Part of KK's food revolution, this night market consists of around three dozen food containers, all selling some kick-ass edible. Standout stalls include…
Kuala Terengganu
In a delightful heritage building in the heart of Chinatown, Madame Bee turns out excellent renditions of Peranakan dishes with local Terengganu…
Sepilok
This open-sided restaurant makes the most of its lakeside setting with the dark tropical timbers complementing the lush garden and carriage lighting. Pan…
Little India & Kampong Glam
Despite Singapore's cut-throat restaurant scene, gastro geeks remain loyal to this ode to fusion cooking. Expect the unexpected, from beef-tongue tacos…
Sandakan
Located in the heart of the stilt village of Kampong Buli Sim Sim, 3km east of the centre, this large, breezy terrace strung with fairy lights is a…
Johor Bahru
Super salad and quinoa bowls, avocado and salmon bagels, fresh juices and great coffee are on offer at this chilled cafe/bar, where recycled wood and…
George Town
This small lane off Jln Burma is crammed every morning with locals filling up for the day on char koay teow (fried noodles with seafood), nasi lemak …
George Town
This unpretentious roast pork and chicken rice specialist sits just yards from the greatest concentration of travellers in George Town, yet is somehow…
Little India & Kampong Glam
Cool-kid Cicheti is a slick, friendly, buzzing scene of young-gun pizzaioli, chic diners and seductive, contemporary Italian dishes made with hand-picked…
Pasar Belbagai Barangan Gadong
Bandar Seri Begawan
Thanks to its authentic local snacks and dishes (grilled meats on skewers, noodle soups, barbecued fish, rice topped with chicken and sambal etc), this…
Kota Bharu
Just inside the red archway entrance to Chinatown, the flaming woks and beer advertising of this outdoor restaurant draws in the crowds on balmy evenings…
Melaka City
Forget about the touristy Jonker Street Market – if you are keen to sample the best street food in the city head to this strip near Little India, where…
Pulau Langkawi
This is possibly Langkawi’s most famous destination for Malay food – and it lives up to its reputation. Come mid-morning, dozens of rich curries, grilled…
Melaka City
This unassuming but lovely little Nonya restaurant is a real find. Try the creamy udang lemak nenas (prawns with pineapple and spicy coconut) or the rich…
Kuala Lumpur
Wall murals by local tattoo artist Apoh Apoh adorn the walls, DJs and live reggae bands entertain the crowds on weekends, and barman Rick concocts kick…
Malaysia
This spartan banana-leaf restaurant in an old shophouse, two blocks to the right as you leave the train station, usually has only a couple of choices…
Semporna
Let's be clear about this: Fat Mom's is Semporna's go-to place for some of the tastiest, freshest seafood around – so fresh that your dinner might be…
Kota Kinabalu
This cosy bijou cafe is run by a Hungarian chef and is a real fave with travellers thanks to its eclectic, well-thought-out menu. The Middle Eastern…
Kuala Lumpur
One of the best places in the greater KL area to sample authentic Malay cuisine, served in the traditional buffet style. At lunchtime more than 50 dishes…
Pulau Langkawi
Langkawi is geographically closer to Thailand than the Malaysian mainland, so you can expect some blisteringly authentic Thai food at this hugely popular…
Singapore
For a bargain foodie high, hit this cult-status corner shop. The star is the namesake laksa: thin rice noodles in a light curry broth made with coconut…
Tawau
Though some locals complain about consistency, we find the seafood here almost impeccable. The extensive menu features such delights as steamed clams with…
Pulau Pangkor
The best dining experience in the Teluk Nipah area, this beachfront restaurant combines generous portions of mostly Malaysian home cooking with views out…
Tawau
One of Tawau's best seafood restaurants, this Chinese emporium with shiny fish tanks is always packed. Find a table and order either from the specials…
Bandar Seri Begawan
It's hard to pin down Alter Ego, except to say that it's one of BSB's most creative offerings, served in an equally impressive space that looks like the…
Bandar Seri Begawan
When Bandar residents want to impress, they take guests to this sleek restaurant on the waterfront, where potted bamboo plants set the scene for some…
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
This acclaimed row of al fresco hawker stalls is a great place to start your Singapore food odyssey. Get indecisive over classics like laksa, satay,…
Pulau Perhentian
BuBu’s Santai restaurant offers laid-back views that may see you opting for a second beer or cocktail before your candlelit dinner kicks off. Lighter…
Melaka City
A lovely place for a scrambled egg breakfast, smoothie bowl or moreish lunch, the food at this small cafe is tops. Dishes regularly change, but stewed…
Sandakan
Black sesame bean curd, braised shiitake mushrooms with yam, laksa with handmade noodles and tender steamed dumplings, bursting forth with crunchy, fresh…
George Town
The excellent seafood and unique location of this basic hawker centre – seemingly hidden in a Chinese temple complex looking out over the North Channel –…
Lahad Datu
Sakura doesn't look like much at first glance – a few plastic tables and chairs scattered under an awning. But then the food arrives: succulent butter…
Penang
Locals come here for laksa asam – thick rice noodles in a tart, herbaceous fish-based broth, with mint leaves, pineapple slivers, onions and fresh…
West & Southwest Singapore
In a colonial bungalow in Labrador Park, Tamarind Hill sets an elegant scene for exceptional Thai. The highlight is the Sunday brunch (S$60; noon to 3pm),…
Kota Kinabalu
El Centro is understandably popular – it's carnivore- and vegetarian-friendly and drinks are reasonably priced. Choose from Tex-Mex and Mediterranean…
